Helping Children Settle into Kindergarten

Young children react in different ways to starting at kindergarten. Even the most confident child may take a while to become accustomed to the new environment. These notes are a guide to provide some ideas that may help the settling in process go smoothly.

When you come to kindergarten on the first day:

· Be prepared to stay and help your child settle in. Some children take several sessions before they are comfortable enough to stay on their own. You are welcome to stay at the kindergarten for as many sessions as you like and also to visit for sessions after your child has settled in. This can be a good time for us to get to know each other and for you to get to know what goes on at kindergarten.

When it is time to leave your child:

· It is best that you make the decision about leaving in consultation with us. This decision is too big for young children to make, and so although there is some room for negotiation, it is important that you, as the adult, make the final decision.

· Tell us when you are leaving so we can be there to support and comfort your child if this is needed. Let us know when you will be back.

· Always say goodbye to your child. Although sneaking away may seem the easiest option at the time, leaving without saying goodbye can be very distressing and create more problems in the future. By saying goodbye, you will be helping to build a trusting relationship which helps children to feel secure. They will trust you when you say you will be back. Your child may cry when you say goodbye, but they will learn to trust that you will come back and to trust us to look after them.

· The first time you leave go for a short time, a whole session may be too long. You may need to start by just going for 10 minutes and to gradually stay away for longer. These short breaks are best done in the first part of the session, so we recommend that you arrive and stay for about 10 minutes, do an activity with your child, then go. Always tell your child what the plan is so they know what to expect. If you say 10 minutes – keep to that time.

· If you say you are going, you need to go. Although it can be distressing for you to leave your child crying, delaying your departure can make it harder for them. They may not settle until you have gone. We will always phone you if they are too distressed and of course you are welcome to phone the kindergarten to see how they are.

These suggestions are some of the ideas we have found to be successful in many situations. However, every child is different and we will always be flexible and discuss with you what approaches to try. You know your child best and it is important that we work together to make settling into kindergarten as smooth and happy a process as possible.


You are welcome to stay at the kindergarten for as many sessions as you like and also to visit for sessions after your
child has settled in. This can be a good time for us to get to know each other and for you to get to know what goes on at
kindergarten.